FOUR Marks Sports and Social Club has netted a grant of almost £10,000 from East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) to renew the fencing around its tennis courts.

The funding will support a £30,000 project to replace the old fencing around three courts with more robust, vandal-proof fencing in line with recommended standards.

Currently, two of the tennis courts can be used by members of the sports and social club while the third court can be used on a pay-and-play basis by non-members.

The remainder of funds for this project have been secured through multiple donors, including the Lawn Tennis Association, Four Marks Parish Council, developers’ contributions, and the community.

Julie Butler, East Hampshire District Council’s portfolio holder for customer service, said: “The new fencing is one part of a big effort to ensure facilities are keeping up with the growing population in the area.

“Projects such as these are proof of the constant work which goes into providing residents and visitors with great facilities across the district.”

Sarah Goudie, clerk to Four Marks Parish Council, said: “The parish council is delighted to hear that Four Marks Sports and Social Club has been awarded funding to assist the tennis club with its much-needed replacement fencing.

“We are looking forward to supporting this initiative which is included in the parish council’s ongoing recreation ground and sports facilities improvements project.”

Russel Edmonds, acting chairman of Four Marks Tennis and Social Club and director and head coach of Coaching4Tennis, said: “This is fantastic news for current and future members of the club.

“We have been in desperate need of new fencing both for the look and for the security of the nets and surface.”

And he added: “We have a great campaign strategy to get four times as many adults and children playing on the courts in 2017 and believe tennis will become a massive asset to Four Marks Social Club for years to come.”